What is BS EN 13445‑3 - Unfired pressure vessels about?
BS EN 13445‑3 is the third in an eight-part series of European standards, which specifies requirements for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of unfired pressure vessels covered by EN 13445-1:2021 and constructed of steels in accordance with EN 13445-2:2021.
BS EN 13445‑3 is applicable to the design of vessels before putting them into service. It may be used for in-service calculation or analysis, subject to appropriate adjustment.
Who is BS EN 13445‑3 - Unfired pressure vessels for?
BS EN 13445‑3 on unfired pressure vessels is useful for organizations that commission, design, build and maintain pressure vessels, mainly in:
- Oil and gas
- Petrochemicals
- Process plant
- Energy generation (including nuclear)
- Food and drink
Users:
- Mechanical engineers
- Pressure vessels designers and manufacturers
- Inspectors and inspection bodies (notified bodies/approved bodies)
Why should you use BS EN 13445‑3 - Unfired pressure vessels?
If pressure vessels are expected to do their jobs successfully, they need to adhere to the highest quality standards. This keeps their contents intact, and also ensures the safety of those around. Following the design guidelines in BS EN 13445‑3 ensures that volatile contents such as liquids and gases don’t corrode the container, even when subjected to extreme temperature changes.
The guidelines provided in BS EN 13445‑3 take into account factors such as thickness calculations, joints and welds, types of steel, shell shapes, nozzles, flanges, bellows, and corrosion and erosion protection; among other things.
Besides design and construction, BS EN 13445‑3 also offers guidelines to inspect and test in-service vessels, subject to appropriate adjustment.

